Mei Qi slipped into the bathroom, closing the door softly behind her. She leaned against the cool sink, trying to calm her racing heart. Her reflection stared back—wide eyes, pressed lips. She had just confronted Mengyao, yet her mind wouldn't stop twisting.
Haoran… Mengyao… how could I even think that?
The quiet pressed in, offering no comfort. A small, bitter laugh escaped as she met her own gaze in the mirror.
Then, without warning, a memory cut through—sharp and unbidden.
Eight-year-old Meiqi stood frozen beneath harsh white hospital lights, tears sliding down her cheeks. A man she'd never seen before knelt in front of her, the distant beeping of machines threading through the cold air.
"From now on, I'll take care of you, little Qi," he said, voice calm but firm.
Her breath hitched. "Mr… who are you?"
He patted her head, eyes unreadable. "I am your father."
Her mother had always said he was gone. Yet here he was.
Meiqi blinked hard, shoving the memory back. He had promised to care for her—words warm enough to cling to—yet his hands were never there when she reached for them. Even as a child, she'd learned it, trust was the easiest thing to give, and the easiest thing to lose.
Her gaze returned to her reflection. The girl from the past stared back, whispering that no trust was truly unbreakable. Her grip on the sink tightened, knuckles pale, as if she could hold the thought at bay.
And suddenly, her doubt toward Mengyao didn't feel so impossible after all.
…
Meanwhile, inside the cramped storage room, a man moved through the shadows, each step slow and deliberate, phone pressed to his ear as he waited for someone to pick up.
Moments later, a low voice crackled through the phone.
"When are you going to release the news?" His voice was sharp, each word clipped. He stopped pacing, the light catching only the gleam of his eyes, the rest of his face swallowed by shadow.
"Don't worry," the voice drawled, calm but calculating. "We just need to stir up the hype first."
"Fine… just make sure they're in the spotlight when it breaks," he said, impatience edging his words.
The man on the other end chuckled. "Of course. Our company isn't just some nameless news outlet," he replied, pride threading through his tone.
The figure in the shadows ended the call, lifting his gaze. A dangerous glint flickered in his eyes as he stared into the distance.
"My Meiqi… I'm the only one who deserves you. You'll see," he murmured, low and menacing.
…
Elsewhere in H.City, inside the four-walled office, the soft sunlight spilled across the room as the man, clad in a denim jacket and matching jeans, set the phone down. A slow smile curved across his face.
"Who were you talking to, Master? You look pleased." The light voice came from behind.
He turned to find his junior lounging in the office chair, leaning forward, curiosity bright in his eyes and a subtle smile on his lips.
"The one who tipped us off," he said. The junior's eyes widened, intrigue sparking.
"Get ready," his Master added, voice low and deliberate. "Tonight… we drop the teaser." A slow smile spread across the junior's face, excitement surging as he gave a firm nod.
…
Hours later, as the sun dipped over H. City, the Everbloom members gathered on the stage, breathless, sweat glistening on their foreheads. The last notes echoed through the empty arena, stage lights casting long shadows across the vacant seats.
"Alright, ladies, that was great! Everything's looking sharp—well done!" the choreographer said with a bright smile.
A wave of relief passed over the members.
"Two more days, ladies," he added, tone firm. "Stay mindful and avoid injuries until then."
They nodded in unison, some straightening while others exchanged brief, understanding glances.
With that, the third day of rehearsal ended. The stage lights dimmed, and the members stepped down, their footsteps echoing through the quiet arena.
…
Afterwards, Meiqi sat quietly in her dining chair, the muted glow of the overhead light casting soft shadows across the private room. She waited patiently for Haoran, though a faint crease touched her brows as the thought of confessing about her stalker pressed heavily on her mind.
Then, the sharp click of the door opening cut through her thoughts, snapping her back to the present. The door eased open, and Haoran stepped inside.
"Did you wait long?" he asked, a hint of concern in his voice as he shrugged off his coat. Meiqi shook her head with a small smile. "No, I just got here."
"Then… let's order," he said, a subtle smile playing on his lips.
She nodded, and he raised a hand. Moments later, the waiter slipped into the quiet, softly lit room.
As they waited for their food, Haoran slid a decorated paper bag across the table toward Meiqi. Her brows lifted slightly, curiosity flickering in her eyes as she reached for it.
"I was going to give it to you on your birthday, after the concert," he said, his tone carrying a trace of regret. Meiqi looked up to meet his gaze, curious.
"But… today, my schedule suddenly changed," he added, a faint smile tugging at his lips, a trace of regret in his voice as if trying to make the most of the moment.
Meiqi's lips parted slightly, fingers brushing the paper bag as she wondered what had suddenly changed in his schedule.